A 37-year-old man arrested in Crete on Saturday on suspicion of terrorism-related activity has told Greek investigators he is a member of Hamas and was connected to suspects detained in Cyprus over planned attacks on Israeli-linked targets.

The suspect, a Gaza native legally employed in Greece as a seasonal hotel worker, was staying in Agios Nikolaos, northeastern Crete, with other employees when he was arrested. In his initial testimony, he said he had not yet built an explosive device but had ordered materials online that could be used to manufacture explosives.

A search of his Athens apartment in the Patissia district uncovered a precision scale and a glass measuring cup, both recently purchased and still in their packaging. Authorities are also examining digital evidence seized during the investigation.

According to investigators, the suspect had traveled to Malaysia for training in the construction of explosive devices. He lives in the Gaza Strip with his wife and three children.

Greek authorities linked him to the Cyprus-based suspects after analyzing phones and a laptop computer. He had been under surveillance before his arrest.

Officials said the suspect had shown little suspicious activity while working at the hotel and was not yet in a position to carry out an attack. However, they were concerned he could attempt an attack in the near future, either in Crete or elsewhere in Greece.

Cypriot authorities have said the suspects in custody also appeared to be planning attacks against Israeli interests in Cyprus and elsewhere in the EU.

Source: Ekathimerini.com